Reviews of Under The Stairs. (Pub) in Edinburgh (Edinburgh).

Under The Stairs

542 Reviews

282 Comments

Pub

Gastropub

3A Merchant St, Edinburgh EH1 2QD, United Kingdom

Description

Information of Under The Stairs, Pub in Edinburgh (Edinburgh)

On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.

This business has received very good reviews from their customers, so probably it’s a place you should try if you are looking for this kind of services.

Map

Open hours of Under The Stairs

Popular times

Sunday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Reviews of Under The Stairs

A. G.

Best place ever! I visited the city for a weekend and couldn't resist coming back multiple times. Such an innovative, mind-blowing menu - and spectacularly done! Everything from the prices to the portions to the presentation and taste is phenomenal. Truly top notch. Staff are great and accommodating; one suggested to me what has become a new favorite drink - the unlikely combo of white port wine and lemonade! Will be thinking of this place for a long time.

M. J.

Great drinks, even better staff. Got here late off the London train hoping to find some food. Unfortunately the kitchen was closed so stayed for a drink and the bar woman went out of her way to try and find us nibbles. Have never felt so welcomed and are all a perfect example of going above and beyond. Owners should be proud of what they have going here.

A. B.

Fantastic cocktails and setting, just off the grassmarket and cowgate. They do small plates and full meals.

F. B.

We went here for a casual setting with good food and drinks, and were not disappointed. The food was absolutely delicious and not unreasonably priced, we were there for a few hours without feeling like we were being rushed to leave. Would recommend!

A. S.

Amazing place and the food is an experience that you have to taste. Could be my favourite place in Edinburgh. Absolute must.

M. M. S. L. (.

Quite a nice experience and their kitchen is opened till a little bit later than the pubs around them, which is a massive plus. Food was great and so were the members of the staff. Also it feels like being on a shared living room which makes it very cosy. Definitely recommended

A. Z.

Awesome, cozy spot with delicious food and drinks!

E. s.

Really tasty varied food and the service was great - would definitely recommend a visit when you are in Edinburgh. We had lots of small plates and even though we thought we had ordered cautiously we couldn't finish it all...... (and we are not light eaters!)

D. B.

Really friendly staff. Food a little complicated - some of it delicious though! Great vibe and would recommend mainly due to friendly staff and cool set up.

C. B.

Seriously enjoying Under The Stairs Lounge and dining . Google accurately describes it as “Quirky retro decor, local art and exposed stone create relaxed vibe for cocktails and bistro dining” And they play West Coast Rap 😂 Snoop Dog and Tupac serenade me as I enjoy my small plates. Lovin the Vibe ❤️

K. M.

A new addition to my list of best places to sit around a table and eat and drink. This restaurant is known for its evening bistro/wine bar feel but on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays it’s open from midday and is a perfect breather from the city bustle. The food menu is eclectic and well portioned. We each asked for tea (lemon ginger, and peppermint) and were brought two large pots along with a custard cream :-). Nice wee touch I thought. The music is the right level though the place was pretty cold. The staff are super friendly and it’s an easy place to get lost in conversation or to sit writing. Definitely a place I’ll return to.

C. F.

This place was amazing. We were visiting from Nottingham and found it from a review we'd seen online so decided to give it a go. Staff were very friendly and the female who served us (sorry didn't get her name, she was from England) It was a very cosy atmosphere, the drinks were great especially the craft beers they had with quirky flavours, I particularly liked the banana flavored one. The food was tasty with enough choices to cater for all of us. Would definitely recommend. 👍👍👍👍

D. D.

Fantastic, pleasant staff and the food available should cater for most peoples likes, covering small, medium and large plates. Personally, I couldnt see past their Rigatoni a La Vodka. The vodka was lost on me but this was the best pasta dish I have tasted in years. I couldn't recommend this any higher. A great find, just off the main tourist drags and well worth a visit.

B. F.

A great little place to eat. An eclectic mix of people, the drinks were great and the portion sizes of the food were excellent. The cheese board is highly recommended. The staff also helped to charge my phone when it was running low, which was nice of them!

C. L.

Excellent service and cosy atmosphere tucked away in a chic corner of Edinburgh. Interesting and varied menu. Meal and cocktail were tasty. Desert was delicious.

R. W.

Been going here for over 10 years. Always had a lovely time, it's a relaxed place and the staff are great. Decent grub too!

M.

Strolling through the streets, I ended up finding this gem. The interior matches the class of the menu provided. The staff is absolutely splendid and makes sure, you will be happy all the time while dining. I went there on my own and rather early (pre 6pm) hence I had no trouble getting a table. I had the peppered smoked bath chaps (pig cheeks) with strawberry umeboshi, almond milk and roasted almonds and the socca pancake with buffalo chicken, celery and apple and it was really stunning. Amazing value. Everything on the menu as well as the daily recommendation looked great.

P. D.

Great place. Staff are friendly, food is great and reasonably priced for the area and some great drinks available. We only found this place through a recommendation, but would recommend to anyone visiting or staying in the area. Look it up or it is easy to miss

A. P.

We got a bunch of small and medium plates to share amongst 4 of us. Bread, Crayfish, Duck Rillettes, Pork Belly, Hot Smoked Salmon, Cod Balls with a side of new potatoes. The crayfish was the only miss for me, they were a touch too spicy and otherwise a little bland. Every other dish was amazing. The pork crackling was done just right, crunchy but not tough, and was served with delicious sauces. Even the potatoes, which I'm generally not a fan of, were great. Only real let down was the dessert. I got the rocky road pie which could have been amazing, but seemed like the chef accidentally dropped the salt shaker in the dough! Still, amazing service and great food at a very reasonable price! With drinks, dessert and the food above, it was about £25 a head!

L. T.

Cute & quirky decor. However the food was too 'busy' for our tastes. Explained as a tapas style approach, we therefore ordered a number of small dishes. All of them arrived at once. And it was a bit too much for the senses. Every dish seemed to have several different flavours going on, a few too many herbs, it was all just too much in one go. If the plates had been served maybe 2 at a time, perhaps it would have worked better?

C. B.

Lovely little find with a chilled atmosphere. The cured sea trout with apple (my description doesn't do it justice) was something different and delicious, and I'm told the bone marrow burger was equally as good! Would recommend.

C. E.

Great little bar tucked away down one of Edinburgh's many side streets. The menu is pretty eclectic and we had to check on some of the ingredients so if you are a picky eater or need to cater to very specific requirements, it might not be a simple order but the staff are really helpful! The mixologists have made a great cocktail menu but they also do the classics if you just ask. Well worth a visit :)

S. K.

I don't usually write reviews, but under the stairs was miles beyond our expectations. From reserving the table with lovely staff to coming into the restaurant and feeling immediately welcome, the dining experience here has been superb. The food is absolutely delicious and so unique, and the service is absolutely excellent with the most friendly and warm staff, highly recommend!

B. H.

Brilliant, interesting, diverse menu. Cosy comfortable setting. Fantastic bottle of wine (one of those so good I had to take a photo!) friendly staff. Perfect for a relaxed evening with colleagues.

r. j.

Always have a great time here. The ambiance is fantastic and the place is beautiful! Great selection of lesser known beer and delicious wine!

Z.

I came here for my birthday last week and it was lovley. very quiet for a sunday afternoon which is a shame although we did get the place to ourselves! My fish main could have done with a bit more spark, a little pickle or vibrancy. Everything else was lovely and everyone enjoyed themselves. Not cheap though.

J. T.

Delicious food !! The staff was great and the restaurant very cosy. We’ll come back for sure !

L. J.

The atmosphere and drinks were lovely. Service was great too. The food was OK… it was difficult to work out what dishes should go with what for the small plate options and when we asked a member of staff they didn’t give much guidance. Ended up with 5 plates that really didn’t go together. The dessert was particularly disappointing… rocky road pie which was weirdly salty (no mention of salt on menu).

I. M.

Excellent meal. Great menu selection . Wonderful flavour combinations. We had a lovely selection of small plates as tapas. Fish and meat. Fantastic. the hot smoked salmon was my favourite. Heartily recommended

C. R.

Lovely cosy atmosphere and friendly staff. It had been recommended to me many times so I had very high expectations. Whilst the food was of a very good standard, the menu wasn’t all I had hoped for. Nonetheless, it was a delicious meal.

D. M. X. r.

Fantastic cellar bar in Edinburgh old town . Legitimately feels like a bar from Europe , really nice decor , great staff good drink options - all round fantastic

A. C.

I'll 100% be back for more delicious cocktails 😍

N. W.

A calm, cosy yet stylish retreat from the busy streets of Edinburgh. Great choice of beers, wines and cocktails. Fantastic service and all in all this added up to a charming experience.

J. G.

Had a pit stop here between shows, interesting and eclectic menu including a good choice of small plates for a quick meal, chose delicious hot smoked salmon and had a good choice of wines to accompany it with helpful advice on the options. Great service, lovely cosy atmosphere.

S. M.

Very cool bar/restaurant in a somewhat hidden unassuming location. We very much enjoyed our drinks and meals.

A. C.

A hidden treasure with delicious and unique dishes. We thoroughly enjoyed it

K. H. M.

The perfect place for a cocktail or an Irish coffee ! It was freezing outside but they have a warm cellar with cozy atmosphere and good drinks. What’s not to love !

P. P.

Great hidden gem of a place. Family friendly serving cocktails and food alongside the usual beverages. Lovely friendly staff.

R. L.

Cozy and quirky, and very relaxed. The menu is fantastic - try the trout! - and the cocktails are proper ace

L. G.

I felt like I was in a cozy hobbit hole. Food was incredible, service was excellent, and the atmosphere was perfect. The menu is expertly-labeled (vegetarian, vegan, lactose free, gluten free, contains nuts and sesame), and inclusive for those with food allergies/sensitivities. The only improvement would be to add a label for soy free items, as well. Overall a lovely experience. Well done, Edinburgh!

C. W.

They have a few vegan options (even dessert) and its very delicious 🤤. But the portions are very small with a high price. Nice atmosphere too.

J. K.

Well run city bar with great cocktails and food👍🏼

L. T.

We totally ambushed the guys in this place. A dozen of us walking in for drinks after dinner. They already had a big party in for food and several other couples mid dinner so 12 people ordering cocktails was probably not what they needed during a busy service. The welcome and service was first rate, very friendly and accommodating staff with top notch beers and an original cocktail list. Try a disco to pisco, you’ll love it. Will come back for food, what was being served up looked really quite good.

M. L.

Really lovely staff, the food was tasty! And the ambience is unique and tranquil.

L. S.

Really delightful cosy bar with a great selection of unusual cocktails. And a fish tank! Apparently the best sweet potato chips in town :)

A. H.

Nice little bar restaurant. The food was excellent. I enjoyed a very tasty crispy chicken in broth. They have a small menu and I think it contributes to the quality of the food. Staff is very friendly and the atmosphere is very relaxed. Chill music in the background fills any silence but not to loud so you can still have a decent conversation. Definitely worth a visit when your in Edinburgh.

S. M.

Good cocktails in a really memorable setting. What Under the Stairs lacks in food & bev they make up for in hospitality and atmosphere. The drinks sound great on the page and then arrive with a bit of a thud. The tasting boards were tasty, no doubt, but the small, medium, and large platters we ordered all needed some serious table-side seasoning. I'd go back here and temper my expectations a bit, maybe have a bite to eat elsewhere before or after.

L. B.

Absolutely lovely place for some pre-dinner drinks and then accidentally having dinner there anyway, because the menu is just so good, ranging from small to medium plates and mains, and some interesting desserts. They have some amazing cocktails, a large wine selection and a super fun dinner menu! They also have sharing plates if you want something to share or a quick nibble. Service was lovely and attentive. I had the special of the day (papardelle with seafood) and it was amazing. We went on a Saturday evening and it got quite busy after 5:30ish so if you're planning to go you may want to reserve a table! We were able to just request one while we were still having our cocktails. One of my favourite evenings spent here all holiday!

K. D.

UTS hosted our Christmas dinner of about 40 people and it went so smoothly! 1. The food was absolutely delicious, 2. They looked after all dietary requirements with so much care that we didn't have to worry about a thing, 3. The staff were lovely in person and very easy to deal with by email while arranging all the details. The space was a little small for our group (something we were aware of going in) but the night was perfect! Thanks so much to everyone at Under The Stairs

J. H.

It's tucked out of the way but what a hidden gem it is! The atmosphere and stay is great and the vegan options really tasty!

G. M.

It's a cosy, popular, little cocktail bar tucked, as it's name suggests, in a cellar. I called in late one night with a couple of friends. It was busy but not too rammed, the DJ was playing music at a level that allowed for conversation - it was a great atmosphere. Table service could have been quicker, and it took a while for the bar to fix us our drinks once ordered, but it was a Friday night so I'll let them off. They have a superb range of cocktails and beers, in all honesty I can't remember what we all had but they were all lovely. This wasn't my first visit here and I'll definitely return some day.

J. L.

Amazing place to hunker down and enjoy a delicious meal by a toasty fire. Honestly the best roast dinner I've ever had. The Parmesan, parsnip and honeycomb pudding was sublime also. What an experience, and so unassuming. A true hidden gem.

J. A.

Very laid back and cozy place with nice atmosphere. Wonderful menu, the food and desserts were absolutely delicious and there are a quite a few interesting drink choices too. The staff was excellent, friendly and helpful. 5 stars

T. Z.

Awesome place, great food and a great price. And don't forget the friendly staff!

R. V.

Beautiful decoration. Dishes very well executed. Staff looked like they were having a lot of fun, it's always nice to see them working in a good mood. Menu might not be for everyone, don't go expecting something amazing or fulfilling, but different.

S. R.

Very good quality food. An unusual bar / restaurant off Grassmarket in Edinburgh. This is not a run of the mill restaurant, but serves nteresting and unusual combinations of food which work really well. If you are prepared to trust the restaurant's ideas you are unlikely to be disappointed. Friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere.

M. A.

It's a cool place, nice atmosphere and cosy. The food, although good, portions were a very small for the high price tag, I'd of put the medium dish I ordered as a small, if that! 5 very small bits of ravioli in a dish full of water and seasoning really doesn't count as a medium main meal to me. I definitely was grateful for my side of fries I ordered to go with it.

K. M.

This is a wonderful little gem with a great vibe.

M. v.

I second everything said here: the atmosphere and decor are super efficient! and pleasant to the eyes. you can sit comfortably and have a lovely meal with lovely tunes in the background. booking seats is recommended as space is limited and it can get quite busy at peak trade times/days. All that said, must be mentioned that 3 out of the 3 times I've been here, the service was disappointing regardless how busy the place was, long wait to be served and staff and management in general completely not attentive to service. but if you do have time and are not in a rush, the menu and place are worth checking out.

M.

Nice food and good service!! I definitely come back!!

M. B.

Great atmosphere. Sort of a half-restaurant-half-bar. Very cosy. The food is excellent. Can't fault the selection of starters or main courses at all. Dessert choices are a bit limited, and overall it's a bit pricey (cheapest bottle of white wine was £20). In general it's a thumbs up though. Solid 4-star.

L. E.

Good find with a nice menu for a casual dinner. The portions were huge (a bit too huge really!) but the choice is nice and varied from your usual pub/bar food. The only criticism is the poor choice of soft drinks - as a pregnant diner I got a bit bored of standard bar coke/lemonade especially when the cocktails looked so good, a couple of Virgin cocktails would be awesome!

P. C.

Great cocktails, fab food and stunning decoration. Wether you are hungry and looking for somewhere to eat or you feel like sipping a few cocktails in a classy environment, this is your place. Under the Stairs is a really cool place, perfect to chill after work or relax over the weekend. Make sure you grab a good spot on the couches. You will love it

K. O.

I dropped in for a small lunch today and was absolutely blown away by a small plate (£4.50) of artichoke marinade, blue cheese and walnuts. Just delicious and certainly not small. The organic Chardonnay complimented perfectly. I like the shabby decor but beautiful food and service. Will be back soon.

A. Q.

Great cocktails and good food. They had a problem with our order and staff knew how to deal with it and give us complementary snacks while waiting. Atmosphere and local are comfortable and nicely decorated. And don't miss the Walter White portrait at the very far corner.

M. L.

Visited for a drink after a meal, was quite empty when we arrived so were able to choose where to sit. Some spots closer to the air con could be a bit cold, but we sat on cosy sofas by the window. Great selection of cocktails, but unfortunately didn't have any food. Great atmosphere, perfect for catching up over a drink.

N. J.

Brilliant little restaurant with amazing staff, outstanding food and a fine selection of whiskey and a lovely local IPA.

M. M.

Great little bar and restaurant tucked away under George the IV bridge. This place has a 'living room' feel about it and is filled with a mish mash of tables and chairs. They have a great menu which is often changing and also do great drinks and cocktails. Their sweet potato fries are SPECTACULAR. They also do great fish cakes and burgers. The restaurant has a good atmosphere and is always busy, but occasionally the tables are a little close together to squish everyone in. The best spot is definitely by the fish tank!

C. G.

Lovely and atmospheric little place which is great for a either a light bite or a full meal. The vegetarian options were great when I last visited although the menu changes quite regularly which means you can keep going back without getting bored. The feel and decor of the place is very homely, laid back and relaxed and if you're waiting for your date or tardy friends, you can lose yourself staring at the fishes near the front!

p. g.

Such a lovely little establishment. Great choice of drinks, delicious cocktails and the best sweet potato fries I've ever had. Reasonably priced too.

D. B.

Very interesting and modern menu. Fantastic flavour combinations, quality food and excellent service. The banana bread beer was a memorable part of the meal! Looking forward to my next visit!

C. H.

Very good experience here! Great, chilled and friendly staff, who attended to all the usual needs, but also gave us space to feel free to take our time and just sit for a while afterwards. Good vegetarian options (yay!) and the selection of specials were great when we went. Nice cosy atmosphere with dim(ish) lighting and candles flickering. A nice comforting sanctuary feel, out of the cold! Meals and prices were great for us. Thank you!

R. M.

Another little Edinburgh favorite is this place - It's situated just off the Grassmarket itself just off the royal mile. It's one of these hidden gems that requires a little local knowledge but isn't that well known to most, partially as the name suggests because it's down a level from the ground and on a street which otherwise you'd have no reason to visit. Inside it's definitely a little quirky with old fashioned furniture that makes you feel you are sitting in someone living room rather than a bar/restaurant. The selection of drinks is great too with a more off beat selection of round the world beverages than you'd get in more traditional locales. I've only eaten here once, and I can't even remember what I had but I do remember it being delicious. The service is excellent, and it's take service too, so once you've plopped yourself down you won't need to move a muscle - at least that was the case when I visited on a rainy festival afternoon. It can get busy later, so be advised that sometimes getting a table might be a little tricky. It's difficult to describe, but what really make this place special is the atmosphere. So rather than try to describe it, my advice is to try it for yourself!

T. W.

We used to visit regularly for the fantastic pub quiz, but it hasn't been on since Christmas. It's a little odd, a bar, but with unapologetically slow table service. Drinks are a little on the expensive side, but there's a fairly good selection on tap. The food is quirky, and actually really good, but lots of the furniture really smells badly of damp. Worth a visit, but there's room for improvement.

P.

This place is a gem in Edinburgh, great cocktails🍸 and the service is fantastic. The place is very nice and cosy.

S. M.

A nice, cosy bar with a good selection of cocktails. Decor is retro-style with different artists's work and miss-matched chairs. This is a popular location at the weekend and tables go pretty quickly, so I would advise booking ahead if you wish to eat or have a few in the party. There is a good range of food to share and a decent menu including a range of burgers.

L. C.

Staff very friendly and helpful. Lovely food served here. It's a cosy atmosphere here. They have a fish tank in the restaurant. It is also a bar. Great place to visit.

L. G.

Love this place so much. Delicious hearty food, unique selection of cocktails and spirits, cosy low ceiling, softly light, great staff, a total home from home. In fact a real all rounder. Great for a sexy date night, out with friends or just chilling with a good read and a snifter or two on your own.

P. T.

A lovely hideout from the crown. Unexpectedly, quite niche and you need to reserve a table in advance for lunch/dinner.

P. Z.

Love this place! First time here and we had some of the most attentive and friendly table service in the city. It's a cosy hideaway, well and truly hidden under the stairs, with fairy lights, candles and a cocktail list to die for. The RDJ with chartreuse was a particular favourite! We were really impressed by the food too - the confit duck was crispy and delicious and the rainbow trout with lentils and fennel perfectly seasoned. Under the Stairs will definitely become one of my new favourite bars, with food to rival some of the best I've had in Edinburgh.

J. R.

Lovely little place that's easy to miss if you walk past it. Either get there early or book a table 'cause that place gets rammed and it is tiny. The staff are what lets it down for me. They take FOREVER to make cocktails (and as a cocktail place, that's kind of a problem...) and once you do get their attention, it feels like you've asked how much they're willing to sell their mother for.

L. M.

This is such a cute little tucked away bar and restaurant. The food menu is delicious and difficult to choose from. The cocktails here are also fantastic. It's a great place for a romantic candle-lit date or a girly cocktail.

A. R.

Nice atmosphere and excellent food. One downside - my friend ordered the goats cheese tart and it was an absolutely tiny portion for a large plate which was quite disappointing considering it was 4 pounds more than the much larger burger!

A. M.

Awesome bar in Edinburgh - super chilled and very well trained staff. We were served by Gaby, she offered for us to try the beers and Beeks sorted the seats! Superb service and drinks, thanks.

S. M.

Cosy and pleasant, the service was great and the menu was quirky. I would highly recommend a visit

S. B.

I think this place is a little bit of an Edinburgh locals secret, tucked away down a side street and in a basement, but it is well worth searching out. The menu is always mouth watering and there is a great range of whiskeys, which makes it perfect for popping in for a quick warm up or somewhere to settle down in a cosy corner for a special night out. The atmosphere is lovely, friendly and chilled out.There is a sort of snug area with retro comfy armchairs and the back section is filled with mismatched dining tables and chairs. At night the room is usually filled with lots of candles which always makes it look extra special.

K. S.

Great little hide away place, wine and food are lovely. I had a beautiful seared beef noodle salad here that I dream about often. (No, you're a weirdo!) The interior is eclectic and quirky. Only downsides are no dogs and no kids. (?) It's a grown up place. For grown ups. But mostly students hang out here. Live music and DJ's and a great atmos. Try it.

K. T.

One of Edinburgh’s hidden gems. We really enjoyed the skate wings and bath chaps. The friendly staff teamed with the buzzing atmosphere made dinner very enjoyable. Can be quite pricey if you order cocktails!

t. g.

Very good food. Service was good, quick with drinks and food service. Only thing that could have been better was getting our drinks freshened up. I must say though, that for the number of people there, and only one waiter, it was pretty amazing.

W. M.

One of the best hidden gems in Edinburgh. Perfect for a romantic meal or just some drinks. Full of atmosphere and life so quite busy. Worth booking ahead for dinner on the weekend.

C. D.

Great small plates restaurant. Cosy interior & fantastic food! The baked feta is a MUST! The ceviche was just as good as that in a restaurant in London that’s CALLED ceviche. We also had the celeriac croquettes which were yum, wild mushroom birdie wasn’t as mushroomy as I’d hoped but still good. Waitresses were lovely and helpful too

E. C.

Really nice food, fresh and original, and the price are ridiculously good. The place is cosy and the staff was extra nice, probably would come back next time we're in Edinburgh!

J. S.

A quirky fun bar hidden away in the centre of the old town. Feel a bit like walking into your nan's lounge in 1982 but combined with the cocktails, beer selection and a great mix of small, medium and large plates of delicious food this place is a bit of a gem.

C. A. (.

Young and hip with a cracking atmosphere, excellnt food and lovely staff. Would love to visit it again sometime.

M. B.

Nice place for dinner. Don’t forget to book a table (they could fit us 9 with half a day notice). We took lots of things to share, everyone liked it!

K. G. (.

Awesome food and cocktails, service was very slow. At one point we sat with empty glasses in front of us for a good half hour or so before anyone came to ask if we wanted any more

j. m.

This is a lovely wee place. The food is excellent, they do amazing sharing boards both meat and vegetarian and lots of other vegetarian choices Very reasonably priced too.The drinks are more expensive but the cocktails are the best in Edinburgh so definitely worth it!

B. D.

It’s perhaps not the cheapest option in town, but Under the Stairs has a great selection of drinks (including cocktails) and high quality food. Low ceilings and slightly shabby furniture add to its ‘best kept secret’ aura (even if it is perhaps more well-known these days). A great place to take friends who’re visiting the capital

C. M.

Had lunch here today 😋 Absolutely fantastic food Lots of room and with the correct procedures in place for a comfortable experience. Also you can park outside on a single yellow on Sundays .its a winner 🏆

M. D.

Stumbled across by accident beautiful cosy laid back atmosphere. We loved it, food was brilliant. Customer service was great. Highly recommend!

a. b.

Fantastic.... been here 2013 and tried it again with my family may 2015 and to be honest whilst busy... the food was excellent. ..my wife has a trip to Edinburgh and has also booked a table. Excellent food good prices. .a real gem!!

R. H.

Definitely a quirky spot, decorated with mismatched chairs and tables for a homely feel it's a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. Foodwise the meat sharing platter is one of the best in Edinburgh with good thick slices of Serrano ham, anchovies and other meaty delights but the highlight is the carrot cake, gloriously moist and packed with flavour it is a must have.

A. R.

Cool place with great atmosphere. Special food for the adventurous ones. The staff was trying too hard to make our bill be bigger than planned.

S. F.

Delicious food and cocktails, with excellent service. The decor is cosy and quirky. They have special dinner deals on certain nights which would be excellent value!

H. R.

Tightly packed, we went for cocktails. Good atmosphere ended up having procceco.

J. N.

Under the Stairs is a cosy wee place, tucked around the corner from the Grassmarket. There's a great choice of food and drinks, with different sized 'plates' which we found to be very generously portioned. The veggie burger and roasted root veg were delicious!

S. W.

Nice, comfortable place for after work drinks, decent selection, usually easy to find seats. Slightly more expensive than going rates. Definitely worth a shot if you're bothering to read reviews.

T. M.

Definitely one of my favourites in Edinburgh, with a laid back and relaxed atmosphere. Great place to drop by with friends for drink and a bite to eat. I recommend grabbing a few starters to share.

E. A.

A secluded yet bustling spot tucked away, literally under the stairs! I love the living-room feel of the mismatched furniture, flying ducks on the wall and the fishtank. The cocktail list isn't huge & the Pumpkin Pie cocktail on the menu isn't available anymore...sigh...But the Pommy (Pomegranate liquor, Grey Goose vodka, Loganberry Jam, Rose Water, Lime, Prosseco) & The Chili Palmer (Gin, Mandarin Napoleon, Red Chili, Lemon, Sugar, Soda) more than made up for it. If you plan to stay for food I'd suggest booking in advance as it's normally super busy & people often get turned away disappointed because there's no more available tables.

R. C.

The menu always changes and everything is amazing, especially vegan options. Staff friendly. Cocktails great tool

R. H.

Main course food was excellent. They are perhaps a little too adventurous with their flavours on desserts. Need to book up, hard to get a table

H. L.

I really enjoyed our diner there, products are fresh and you can either have you own plate or choose the sharing option. Reservation recomended.

R. M.

Great atmosphere, especially on snowy nights. A cosy little hideaway with yummy food and a beautifully constructed cocktail menu.

A. C.

Amazing little spot up the street from the bustle of the Grassmarket pub line. We went for a late lunch and everything we ordered was really really good. Great draught selection and very friendly staff make this a gem. If youre going for dinner/drinks in the evening make a reservation as almost all the tables were reserved.

C. S.

I love the location of this place, which is obviously under some stairs, so you don't actually see it when you pass by, but if you walk in it has this very friendly and cozy atmosphere. They have some interesting dishes on the menu so it's worth going here for dinner or simply for drinks (a decent selection of cocktails, wines etc.).

M. W.

Unique drinking and eating place. Lovely people

L. C.

with a mixture of mismatched furnishings, this basement bar is trying to create an easy, relaxed upmarket feel. as a one off treat just after payday, the cheese board and sharers provided a tasty filling snack (post no dinner and a few drinks elsewhere) although at full capacity, the echoey stone walls weren't quite perfect for the quiet friday drinks we intended.

A. E. G.

A great experience in Edinburg. A cozy and lovely ambient. I loved gypsy eggs and great service!!

C. V. B.

Great spot to eat or have a few drinks. It is cosy with low ceilings and a trendy vibe. The only downside is that it can get very busy and a few of the tables feel a bit far away and out of place, so show up early or call ahead.

G. B. B.

Absolutely delicious food- the sticky cauliflower and gnudi were sensational. The atmosphere is very friendly and the service excellent. I thoroughly recommend it .

l. b.

Lovely, intimate venue. Good lighting, candle light and little spot lights. Always good beer on tap and a nice selection of wine.

N. M.

Awesome place to have a drink and chat at the same time. Music is not overwhelming and staff is helpful and friendly. Would definitely recommend.

Z. P.

Tucked away from the main street, Under The Stairs is a cosy haven – of 50s furniture, flickering candlelight and good tunes. On a wintry day, we found ourselves here and ordered the soup (spicy courgette and carrot), warm pitta and hummus dips, and bread with oils. Before the food had even arrived, we'd warmed up and forgotten our frozen fingers and toes... and when it did arrive, well, the bread, pitta and dips were extremely more-ish, but it was the soup that won my heart. It was some of the best I have ever had, and I had an instant flashback to the soup that my Nana used to make. It's not often a meal can awaken happy memories but this one did. Thanks Under The Stairs!

B. D.

Good food. Out of some beers/wine. Busy for a weekday but not loud. Cozy. Good for sharing dishes.

J. S.

great food and drinks. mix of small, medium or large plates. nice setting. couldn't see the large sharing platters on last visit though?

S. G.

Awesome restaurant! Creative menu with some great drinks. Make sure you don't walk past this place!

G. R.

Lovely food and drink. Friendly staff. A bit chilly so take a jumper but would thoroughly recommend.

P. L.

I've been here on two occasions and can attest to its quality, variety and conviviality. I will always aim to spend time to relax when in the city. Keep up the good work people!

B. S.

Really innovative cocktails and excellent, friendly service.

T. B.

Funky hipster layout, fish tank, fire place, cozy retro furniture. Table service, good food, good range of beer and above average wine list.

F. S.

Absolutely fantastic food in a brilliant atmosphere. Went for the first time with my relatives on visit and the loved it too. Try the sharing platters.

A. G.

This is a great place for cocktails and a quick drink. It can get busy and sometimes it's hard to find a seat. Last time I went it stank of vomit but I am sure that was due to an unfortunate event and not a common thing so not marking it down for that but it did put me off wanting to go back.

G. R.

Shout out to Tom for the great service and excellent recommendation of 'Samurai' wine. Much appreciated!

M.

Cosy little pub. Friendly staff. They don't have the usual suspects on draught which is great if you wanna try new beers.

J. G.

Quirky and fun spot with an amazing cocktail menu. Would absolutely go back. The food was great as well.

S. F.

Excellent hidden gem, great ambience, friendly staff, delicious food and ofcourse tasty cocktails - all at a reasonable price.

E. K.

Delicious food, good portion size, incredible cocktails and great service. Can't go wrong.

S. C.

My boyfriend and I loved it. You need to lnow where it is cause it can be slighlty hard to find the entrance, but once you're there the atmosphere and deco are amazing. Good prices too!

I. M.

Really nice place with great atmosphere, good music and friendly people. The food was fine, but not the reason to come here

F. F.

Great food and wines, everything was perfectly prepared, the presentation was great and the flavours were matching perfectly.

R. D.

One of Edinburgh's hidden gems. Everything in this place is top notch, food, drinks, service and atmosphere. Can't recommend highly enough.

M. S.

Big range of great cocktails, friendly staff and fun atmosphere, would definitely recommend

A. D. (.

Imagine your living room, but probably filled with more quirky furniture and fish, oh and a selection of great beers (Kirin!) cocktails and fresh food and sharing platters. Its home from home.

T. R.

Amazing food and the staff were very knowledgeable about everything on the menu. Top notch.

A. N.

Good quality food, small portions, bit pretentious, but friendly and nice atmosphere. When crowded the service is slow.

1.

Great food, great style, staff were great, highly recommend

T. J.

Food and wine are delish - service was wonderful and the restaurant was really nice. Definitely recommend!

A. C.

Exquisite, creative food in a cosy, intimate atmosphere. One of the best places to eat in Edinburgh.

M. F.

Inventive food. The stars were the seafood ravioli, the fennel salad, and the beetroot ganache with Strathdon Blue for dessert

E. T.

Decent and relaxed food and drinks in Edinburgh. Food is decent but not out of this world. Service is really slow and disinterested

J. M.

Great platters and atmosphere. Cocktails are good too.. and the hot food.

S. L.

Nice place for a drink. Only does table service which is a bit odd, but means it never becomes too raucous.

D. J. (. B.

Such a wonderful pub! Great atmosphere, great vibe, amazing staff and such comfy couches! Will definitely be back!

S. O.

Great drinks sadly the table service is slow at best. Having to ask for the bill three times when your group is one of four tables is super annoying

E. T.

Relaxed venue, with seating and table service only. Great drinks list. Tasty food.

I. M.

Good drinks and food but slow service and unfriendly staff. Have been 4 times and have been let down by service every time.

J. K.

Nice compact little bar tucked away in an otherwise boisterous part of town. Never seems to busy, but always has a good atmosphere.

R. P.

Man we loved this bar. Super cool ambience and vibe, definitely check it out

M. K.

Always a great night Under the Stairs! Delicious burger paired with a nice pint of Berliner.

A.

Relaxed atmosphere, good music & friendly staff. They can make any cocktail from scratch

M. B.

Good food, but we've tried loads of their cocktails now and they're all HORRIBLE tasting. 😔

G. H.

Love this bar; staff, drinks, food and atmosphere are all, without fail, amazing

S. M. (.

Stumbled across this bar whilst nailing gins in the Irish bar over the road, exquisite atmosphere, lovely cocktails, cosy and comfy and a cracking fish tank!

L. B.

I really loved it down there! The whole atmosphere was magic and the food was really good:)

J. W.

Awesome staff. I don't think I've ever seen such energetic and customer friendly interactive personnel. Management should be proud

D. d. C.

Excellent staff and cocktails in a intimate environment - slightly tucked away gem of a bar

E. G.

Amazing - good food, good drinks, and special kind personnel! It is a go go go, worth it a lot!

E. R.

We went just for drinks, cozy atmosphere with great cocktails.

K. T.

Not great for food to be honest but the bar and general vibe is nice..

N. Z.

Cozy atmosphere, good selection of cocktails and craft beer, great food, great music.

J. C.

Great food, tasty drinks, really cool atmosphere, and a great deal for the price.

A. F.

Cool atmosphere, pricey drinks and food, some of the staff were impatient and not very friendly

T. L.

Lovely atmosphere, really nice and attentive staff and wonderful affordable food

L. E.

Lovely atmosphere and attentive staff. Wonderful food also

S.

So tranquil, amazing food, brilliant service. It's so pretty here!

Y. H.

Absolutly lovely service, amazing atmosphere and wonderful food!

G.

Cute little place, had drinks here - well priced. Would return.

C. C.

Great starter and pudding. Lamb burger was fine, bit a bit average.

D. S.

Great place to eat, drink and spend time with friends!

N. K.

Great drinks and food in a cozy and friendly atmosphere.

L. S.

Great vibe, lovely staff and delicious cocktails!

A. R.

You feel hidden away in this little basement bar..being hidebound away dose not mean they have not got skills..cocktail skills and great tasting beers!

L. D.

Little hidden gem of Edinburgh, very funky design and serves a mean cocktail.

J. M.

Had the burger with sprouts and bacon on the side. Absolutely gorgeous

B. W.

Good staff, nice drinks and food, I'd go back for sure x

J. L.

The Food was excellent and the staff were very accommodating

P. M.

Great little find. Friendly staff with a good different menu

E. G.

Been here every time I have visited Edi and they never disappoint :)

C. M.

I like this cosy little pub, lived in edinburgh for 4 years and never knew it existed till i had it pointed out to me

Z. N.

Nice bar to chill at and with great service

G. C.

Amazing place! Great staff! Great food! x

D. B.

Really nicely decorated in here, fishies and everything. Great carrot cake.

A. M.

cool bar, spoilt a bit by being table service only. the bloody mary is exceptional

M. F. D. S. R.

Beautiful little pub. Great drinks with Scotch, yum!

R. B.

Quality food and drink, very tasty, and good prices!

M. A.

Nice place to chill for a few pints. Friendly atmosphere

E. S. (.

Nice cute little place with good music and amazing cocktails.

L. O.

Will definitely be returning to this jem of a restaurant cosy relaxing atmosphere.. love it

P. A.

Excellent and delicious ! Cheerful staff ! Highly recommended !

J. H.

Great basement bar that offers table service and good cocktails.

F. B.

Such a cute place with really interesting cocktails!

S. O. C.

Interesting and unexpected food in a really cosy and welcoming place.

J. B.

Amazing for drinks!

T. D.

great hidden gem of a bar, quirky interior, great food

D. N.

Really cozy place, friendly staff and decent pub food

K. K.

Nice ambience, good food, great cocktails! 👌

L. M.

Hard to find but worth it. The sharing platters are great.

M. S.

A local secret, serving good food and craft beer in the centre of Edinburgh.

R. R.

Relaxing atmosphere in an unconventional place, great gins and cocktails

C. Z.

Food was phenomenal, atmosphere to match!

P. T.

Excellent food and great staff

V. E.

Good service and atmosphwre. Good selection of cocktails.

A. R. G.

Excellent food with top notch service!

N. G.

Good food & great cocktails

S. B.

Awesome atmosphere, great service and staff totally on it.

O. S.

Really interesting menu and friendly staff

S. B.

Atmosphere cosy chill relaxed friendly VIBEZ ON POINT! ❤️

A. M.

Cool euro feel bar, Berlin like and ambience

D. A.

Great food and amazing service!

R. R.

Great food, great service, great setting.

C. B.

Nice place chill, cocktails however horrible.

m. m.

Amazing food,chill atmosphere!

R. C.

Great place, perfect atmosphere and great food.

H. L.

The place is cool and chilled but the service can be better.

W. M.

5 star food, 4 star atmosphere but 2 star service (sloooooow)

B. X.

Must go for drinks in Edinburgh. Beautiful ambiance.

E. D.

Very nice bar, very comfy seats!

L. C.

Class drinks.. class food.. class decor.. class tunes.. class staff.... Just.. Classs

S. K.

Really nice atmosphere and delicious food

R.

Good food nice atmosphere!

J. B.

Nice atmosphere, nice location, good food.

E. H.

Nice place, Nice food, nice staff! Excellent !

C. D.

The best sunday roast ever! Perfect.

D. G.

Amazing food and lovely staff

R. S.

Nice place to go with friends for an impromptu drink

A. S.

Amazing bar. Very cosy.

C. H.

Fantastic wee place tucked away! What a gem!

R. E.

nice little restaurant with a slightly quirky menu

J. C.

Great food and atmosphere

S. L.

Fun quirky place for food and drinks

I. M.

Lovely quirky relaxed cafe/restaurant

B. M.

just awesome food and staff

D. P.

Awesome place! Exaclty what I was looking for!

I. M.

Great place, great craft from Edinburgh

J. B.

Very cozy

T. M.

nice place, nice drinks

D. R.

Cosy place. Enjoyed the haggis.

J.

Amazing food and drinks!

C. Q.

Nice spot

R. K.

Really good service

C. M.

Interesting bar with a cosy feel

G. B.

Excellent and nice atmosphere

C. H.

Cozy, unique and delicious.

S. A.

Great cocktails

R. O.

Excellent espresso martinis

P. T.

nice and comfy restaurant

R. V.

Great place, smooth service

P.

Absolutely delicious.

D. A.

A good place to spend time.

R. R.

Nice staff, cosy

G. R.

Nice and cozy

J. P.

Brilliant

b. b.

nice , but to crouded

L. W.

Cosy brilliant bar

M. P.

Excellant as always.

N. M.

expensive

J. L.

Under the stairs unit

G. P.

Lovely place

I. M.

Excellent.

D. K.

Atmospheric place

A.

Unreal food

V. “. B.

(Translated) A really beautiful decoration, it feels like home. A very warm and pleasant welcome, as we like them. The dishes were really good but only a little problem, they were really not very rich. The price is quite attractive, £ 37 flat and dessert for two. I highly recommend. Open your eyes and look down to find the front of the restaurant. (Original) Une décoration vraiment belle, on s'y sent comme à la maison. Un accueil très chaleureux et agréable, comme on les aime. Les plats étaient vraiment bon mais seul petit hic, ils n'étaient vraiment pas très copieux. Le prix est assez attractif, 37£ plats et dessert à deux. Je recommande fortement. Ouvrez l'œil et baisser la tête pour trouver la devanture du restaurant.

S. G.

(Translated) Excellent! Original, creative and delicious plates! Still water decorated with cucumber pieces for an original taste ... Not to be missed under any circumstances. Restaurant in a cellar, unusual situation. Enjoy !! (Original) Excellent! Assiettes originales, créatives et délicieuses! Eau plate agrémentée de morceaux de concombre pour un goût inédit... A ne rater sous aucun prétexte. Restaurant dans une cave, situation atypique. Enjoy!!

S. B. (.

(Translated) Bel locale, very intimate and reserved. Located in a cellar in the "old city". The food was very good. Too bad for the stinking bathrooms and inadequate desserts, too sweet or without flavor. The cuisine tends to vegetarian / vegan. (Original) Bel locale, molto intimo e riservato. Situato in una cantina nella "old city". Il cibo era molto buono. Peccato per i bagni puzzolenti ed i dolci non adeguati, troppo dolci o senza sapore. La cucina è tendente al vegetariano/vegano.

m. d.

(Translated) Original cuisine. Rather new trend Kitchen but quite generous. Association of original tastes ... chicken leek terrine, unseasoned salad ... then revisit spicy lentil sausage. a waiter speaks French. Good welcome. (Original) Cuisine originale. Plutôt tendance nouvelle Cuisine mais assez copieuse. Association de goûts originaux... terrine poulet poireaux, salade non assaisonnée... puis revisite du saucisse lentilles épicé. une serveur parle français. Bon accueil.

J. G.

(Translated) It is a quiet place but at the same time with a good atmosphere. We went to have beers and whiskey and it was very good. The decor is nice and the staff great. The only downside may be the price, but in this city the prices are very similar. (Original) Es un lugar tranquilo pero a la vez con buen ambiente. Fuimos a tomar cervezas y whisky y estaba muy bueno. El decorado es agradable y el staff genial. La única pega puede ser el precio, pero en esta ciudad los precios son muy similares.

R. R.

(Translated) This inconspicuous place offers a pleasant atmosphere and tasty cuisine. A recommendable place near the castle, after sightseeing it is worth visiting for dinner. (Original) Niepozorne z zewnątrz miejsce oferuje przyjemną atmosferę i smaczną kuchnię. Godne polecenia miejsce w pobliżu zamku, po zwiedzaniu warto tu zajrzeć na obiad.

J. N.

(Translated) A great place. Beautiful vintage atmosphere. Good cocktails and tasty food at honest prices. (Original) Un endroit génial. Belle ambiance vintange. Bons cocktails et plats savoureux à prix honnêtes.

m. a. h. m.

(Translated) A great surprise to eat in Edinburgh at a moderate price, is a rather hidden place with a lot of charm. Fully recommended (Original) Una gran sorpresa para comer en Edimburgo a un precio moderado, es un sitio algo escondido con mucho encanto. Totalmente recomendable

B. V.

(Translated) Très bon et recherché mais un peu cher. Good dishes with refined flavors unfortunately it is a bit expensive and not very abundant. (Original) Très bon et recherché mais un peu cher. Piatti buoni e dai sapori ricercati purtroppo è un po' caro e poco copioso.

M. G.

(Translated) Restore, personal, map at the top as well as its warm environment. (Original) Restaurent, personnels, carte au top ainsi que son environnement chaleureux.

S. S.

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